There was none of that today.

Rather, against the cold grey autumn sky the Sabre looked more like an attractive silhouette – such pretty lines. Nobody rode in on a horse either. No…the real world of test flying is (thankfully) a whole lot more boring than as portrayed in the movies. After a couple of hours of intensive briefings over the wing in the Vintage Wings hangar, the crew towed this rather graceful looking bird over to the main ramp. Ground power was hooked up and Paul Kissmann climbed in.

All possible situations were briefed again…for about the fifth time that day. As well, Paul only wore the lap belt and left the canopy open just in case things did not go as they should. It is a wonderful thing watching professional people doing professional things – taking all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of life and preservation of the aircraft.

Paul read through his pre-start checks as a hive of activity buzzed around the Sabre…the maintenance team getting their last chance checks complete (flashlights in hand checking to ensure none of the fluids under pressure were leaking) and the Combat Camera Crew positioning themselves to best record the event.

PHOTO: Peter Handley/Vintage Wings of Canada

I stood there (a little chilly – once again forgetting to put on a jacket) and marveled at the path this project has taken from abstract idea to reality. My eyes were drawn to the black silhouette on the side of the Silver Dart and the 1909-2009 dates in bold underneath this first powered aircraft to take flight in Canada. Ironic these decals were applied only two weeks ago in preparation for the press conference. As well, the freshly applied Canadian roundels only made the experience seem more patriotic. A proud bunch of Canadians gathered around a proud Canadian aircraft on a typically chilly Canadian fall afternoon. In many ways it is fitting the aircraft is in basic silver with roundels while all the messy preparations are done – especially with Andrej and Dan climbing up and over the wings and fuselage like kids on monkey bars! But this is no game…they are scrambling around looking in each and every opening to ensure there are no leaks prior to clearing Paul to hit the start button.

Anyone familiar with the old Batman series will recall the yellow flames shooting out of Chuck Barris’s Batmobile. A two foot torch danced around the tailpipe of the Sabre right after ignition…certainly getting my attention. However, according to the aircraft operating manual, this is perfectly normal (Paul advised me after the fact). This initial bit of personal excitement subsided as the engine seemed to settle into a nice dull roar. It sounded really nice. No leaks.

After ten minutes or so of smooth idling Paul got to the various system checks. Again, no major surprises – the speedbrake on the port side of the aircraft seemed a little slower than the starboard – perhaps some air in the lines. A complete overview of the flight controls had everything going in the right directions…ailerons, flaps, rudder…even the nosewheel steering. Boring is nice when running a jet for the first time after a restoration.

The chocks were then removed and placed about three feet ahead of the main wheels. Paul eased off on the brakes and came back on them just before hitting the chocks. No real excitement there either. Paul did hint the left brake seemed a bit spongy.

A few more minutes at idle and it was time to shut it down.

All in all a very successful first run. Better than expected.

It is 1525 local on the 29th of September, 2008 and we are on track.